Our Companions for Life/Veteran Training Program is on hold until further notice. Please Contact Us if you'd like to be put on a notification list for updates! 

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COMPANIONS FOR LIFE is a program with two goals—establishing a training program similar to The Big House to Your House that teaches Veterans new skills and partnering the specially-trained service dogs with individuals who need physical or emotional support. 

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On average, service dogs can cost between $8,000–$40,000, which isn’t affordable for most of us. Through The Big House to Your House and Companions for Life programs, service companions are paired with candidates for an adoption fee of only $150. 

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How to Participate 

Ask your VA to recommend you as a candidate. All dogs must be current on vaccinations and muzzled if they are aggressive around other dogs.

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Program Highlights

• Training facilities are ADA compliant, equipped with elevators and handicapped accessibility 

• Canines learn to work with the Veteran in ways that help manage the owner’s disability, whether it be physical or emotional 

 

Click here to read a letter from Veteran, Nick Reggio, who has attended our classes to learn about the impact the training has on his life.

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Benefits

Empowerment: Training Veterans to train their service dogs arms them with skills and knowledge to be self-sufficient and supports their mental and physical well-being.

 

Bonding: The training process allows Veterans to form a deep bond with their service dogs, fostering a sense of companionship and trust that can greatly enhance their emotional stability.

 

Independence: Service dog training enables Veterans to regain their independence and reduces their reliance on others for assistance, which can significantly improve their quality of life.

 

Tailored Support: Veterans are best equipped to understand their unique needs and challenges. By training their service canines, they can customize the lessons to address their specific requirements, ensuring the canine provides the necessary support.

 

Employment Opportunities: Training Veterans to train their service canines opens up employment opportunities within the field of service dog training. This allows veterans to pursue meaningful careers and utilize their skills and experience to help others.

 

Peer Support: A community is fostered with fellow Veterans who are going through similar experiences. This camaraderie and shared understanding can provide invaluable emotional support.

 

Cost-effectiveness: Trained service dogs are expensive. This program saves training costs for Veterans, making it more accessible for those who may have limited financial resources.

 

Increased Awareness: Veterans who train their service canines can help raise awareness about the benefits of service canines for other Veterans. This can contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and advocating for the use of service canines as a valid form of support.

 

Personal Growth: The training process improves communication skills, and helps patience and understanding while creating a strong bond of friendship and trust for the canine and the Veteran.